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er than to-morrow. The opinion of the committee, &c, goes against them! For my part, I can only say, My God, thy will be done!" You will see me at Jewin-street in the afternoon, but whether able or incapacitated to perform my duty there, I know not. Pray for me, that much grace may communicate to me sufficient strength,

"Whether well or ill, cheerful or melancholy, I am your's affectionately,

"THOMAS SPENCER."

Having completed his engagements at Jewinstreet, Spencer's labours became again miscellaneous and widely diffused.. On Sabbath day the 17th, he preached at Roydon, a village near Hertford, when he availed himself of the opportunity which this appointment afforded him of visiting his family. I cannot but conceive the bliss which such occasional interviews would cause in that little eircle, which had once the happiness to call him their's. To them the recollection of those happy hours devoted to social or sacred intercourse with their departed friend, must yield a soothing, though a melancholy pleasure. Nor is the reflection less honourable to his memory, than it is consolatory to their minds. In the midst of the unbounded popularity which he enjoyed surrounded by new and splendid connexions the admiration of listening crowds, each eager to express his approbation-all ambitious of his friendship he ever thought with the warmest affection upon those whom he had left in that obscurity from which he had himself emerged.--Gladly did he seize the opportunity, when it occurred, of retiring

from the public eye to taste again the tranquil pleasures of his home, and enjoy the interchange of all those sacred and delightful feelings, which strengthen and endear the ties and obligations of social or domestic life. He was not unduly elated by his popularity. In his new associations he did not forget his kindred and his father's house. His family did not sink in his regard, in proportion as he rose to eminence. The voice of universal praise did not drown the milder whispers of paternal love.-But in a heart whose best affections were devoted to the noblest objects, and to which new scenes of exertion were perpetually unfolding, the family at Hertford held an honourable and distinguished place. The most extensive public engagements, are not incompatible with the retired duties of private life-and the cares and responsibilities of the most laborious ministry may be sustained and discharged, without absorbing those affectionate regards so justly claimed by parental kindness and fraternal love. "Tis true, that as a Christian, and in his official capacity, every believer in Jesus is to the faithful minister, a father-a mother-a sister-and a brother. But as a man the relations of life exist for himand the feelings of humanity must be common to him too. A heart from which these ties are rudely severed is but ill adapted to that soothing influence by which the office of the ministry becomes a source of comfort to the wretched;-and a man whose bosom is a stranger to the tender sympathies of human life--alike insensible to joy or sorrow-may with propriety administer the cold rites of a Stoical philosophy--but must ever be a living contrast to

the religion of Jesus-a system whose characteristic spirit is that of the purest and tenderest philan. thropy.

Before his departure for Roydon, the following letter was addressed by Mr. Spencer to his friend. The observations at the beginning upon Christian boldness are judicious-and, though ignorant of the particular circumstances which might have called them forth, cannot fail to prove interesting and instructive.

No. 18.

TO MR. JOHN HADDON.

Thursday Evening, Sept. 14, 1809.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

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"I know you wish me to write you a great deal; but I must plead the old excuse-want of time; for I find that instead of calling to-morrow morning, must have this directly, and I have but this minute left the chapel. You tell me your mind recoils from public duty, however plain and clear,' and you need not to be told that this is a pity; and in this respect you do not display that Christian boldness which is after all consistent with genuine humility-which the apostles displayed and enforeed-which the Bible every where recommends--and which is well calculated to evidence our decided at

tachment to Jesus and his cause. It shall be my part, however, not to reproach you for the want of it, but to carry your wants before our Father's throne, and entreat him to fill you with all holy

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boldness and Christian courage; whilst at the same time I would most earnestly entreat you to consider the foolishness of your fears: the little need we have to seek to please our fellow-creatures, or to dread them, and above all the constant inspection of Him who said, whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before his holy angels. But I am persuaded that you are not ashamed of Jesus; yet there is great need for us all to ask ourselves repeatedly, am I fully on the Lord's side ?' because this very examination itself produces the best effects, as it prompts us to give evidence before others of the reality of our hope, and it brings us near to God, who can make us strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and faithful even unto death. Your letters always affect me; your company you know delights me; and what shall I say of your attachment to me, but that it meets return. I am often indeed induced to believe that you are too careful of me, and too much concerned about me. Expressions of gratitude on my part from my mouth or pen I know you do not want, therefore I shall not trouble you with them. My mind is perfectly at ease about the present or future laws of the house, as well as about any situation after I have filled it. O that I may be stayed on God! I often think what a pity it will be, if from our friendship there should arise no good effect; however here I am wrong, because I am myself a witness that good effects have arisen to me; but I long that to us there may be opened fresh sources of comfort and joy in God, and that we may then be made abundant blessings to each other.-I am going

to preach next Sabbath at Roydon, a village near Hertford, where I have reason to hope God has owned and blessed my unworthy labours before. May he do so again. Perhaps I may go to Hertford tomorrow afternoon, as it was the place of my nativity, and is now the residence of my dear father, my sisters, brother, and mother-in-law. I could say much more, (though in the same feeble and desultory style) but you perceive my paper is full. I cannot expect to see you at all till Tuesday. The coach comes in town on Monday evening, about half past six. If I can, I will walk then to Fleet-street. 66 Adieu, my dear friend,

"THOMAS SPENCER.”

From this period to that of his first visit to Liverpool, I am not in possession of any remarkable occurrences in Mr. Spencer's history. At any rate, I am aware of none which tend to illustrate any particular feature of his character-or of such a nature as to warrant their publication to the world. But there yet remain many interesting letters to his friend, Mr. Haddon, which will tend very much to supply the want of a connected narrative-and that friend who during this period, enjoyed the most intimate acquaintance with him-and obtained a most accurate knowledge of his character, has furnished me with a series of anecdotes and observations, which will make the reader familiar with the man, -and most strikingly exhibit the holy, humble and fervent bias of his mind. For the present I shall